Top 20 UAE Eid getaways and activities

Head to the capital for Eid, where the Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal has launched the Intrigue You package, which offers two nights, buffet breakfast at Giornotte restaurant, plus access to the 1,600sqm swimming pool, private beach, and Ritz Kids’ Club.
From Dhs950 per room per night. Valid until December 31. reservations.abudhabi@ritzcarlton.com (02 818 8181).

This Eid package is designed as a getaway for couples, and includes one night in a deluxe room, Dhs500 towards dinner at Amici Restaurant, buffet breakfast and access to Yas Beach.
From Dhs1,415 for two adults. Valid October 14-18. Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi (02 656 0700).

Scope out the capital with an affordable stay at this property, a stone’s throw from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld. The package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner at The Olive Branch Restaurant, including four free selected beverages and unlimited soft drinks.
From Dhs399 per person. Valid October 10-19. Mafraq Hotel, Abu Dhabi, www.mafraq-hotel.com (02 659 6666).

Make a quick getaway to Hatta, where you can enjoy a chalet-style room overlooking the Hajar Mountains at the Hatta Fort Hotel.While you’re there, check out the Hatta Rock Pools and put your clay pigeon shooting skills to the test.
Dhs900 per person sharing per night, including breakfast and dinner. Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta, reservation@jaresorts.com (04 815 5400).

If you’re desperate for some quiet time by the pool, the five-star Radisson Blu Resort Fujairah overlooks 500 metres of private beach and offers special Eid activities for the kids to enjoy. From Dhs1,725 for a standard room, includes breakfast. Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah, reservations.fujairah@radissonblu.com (09 204 3100).

Located on the outskirts of Dubai, this resort is offering a special Eid deal for those staying a minimum of two nights between October 14 and 18. The package includes a Garden View Room, breakfast for two adults and one child under 12.
Dhs1,500 per room per night. Jebel Ali Golf Resort, Jebel Ali, reservation@jaresorts.com (04 814 5500).

Use your time off to get down to the FINA Swimming World Cup 2013, which sees Dubai host competitors from the Netherlands, Germany, China, Russia, Singapore and more for the first Asia-region rounds. Dhs20 regular, Dhs40 VIP. Thursday October 17 and Friday October 18, 10am and 6pm. Hamdan Sports Complex, Dubai Sports City (04 264 8717).

A special Eid lunch is on offer with a buffet full of classics from the region such as lamb ouzi, mixed grill, Arabic sweets and juices. There will also be a Wii and PlayStation and free ice-cream in SodaBox to keep the kids happy.
Dhs145 per person. Half price for children aged six-12, free for children under six. 12pm-3.30pm. Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel (04 377 2000).

The Detour City Hunt returns, tasking the city’s amateur sleuths with solving clues to find treasure, making their way around Dubai using only public transport – a key part of the event’s ‘green’ message. Prizes worth Dhs20,000 on offer. Dhs150 per person. Friday October 18, 2pm-10pm. City-wide, www.detouruae.com (056 694 9966).

Al Marmoum Camel Racing Season is back, and what better way to mark Eid than by enjoying an age-old sport as the region’s best dromedaries take to the tracks.
Free. Friday October 18, 6am-8am, 3pm-5pm. Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack, E66 (055 676 0006).

Season two of the event Fashion Forward kicks off on Tuesday October 15 with a line-up of shows, talks, after-parties (the public can attend those on Wednesday October 16 and October 18 only) and designer accessories for purchase in The Garden.
For timings and a schedule of shows visit www.fashionforward.ae. Until October 18. Dhs75 daily or Dhs150 for a four-day pass. Students get discounts. Fashion Forward, Madinat Arena (www.fashionforward.ae).

If you can’t manage a mini-break outside the emirate this Eid, think of Global Village as the next best thing. The entertainment and shopping hub features pavilions from countries including Brazil, Pakistan and Mexico, and you can stock up on cultural souvenirs and traditional food.
Dhs15 person entry. Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (04 362 4114).

Those with hectic schedules can unwind during the public holiday with the Gloom Buster package at Spadunya. The package is to be used over three weeks and includes a series of three wellness massage treatments, three yoga sessions and three products to use at home.
Dhs890. Until October 31. Spadunya, Shams 1, JBR (04 439 3669).

AOC French Brasserie hosts a 1001 Arabian nights party throughout all three days of Eid. The event will include a buffet of Arabic cooking such as hot and cold mezzeh, ouzi lamb, mixed grills and a live chicken shawarma station.
Dhs220 per person, inclusive of soft beverages. 7pm-11.30pm. Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, JBR, The Walk (04 448 4733).

The venue launches its traditional Eid international buffet for brunch and dinner, taking place all three days of Eid, with views of the Festival City waterfront to be enjoyed.
First day of Eid, Dhs165 per person, including one welcome drink, 12.30pm-4pm. Dhs275 per person per person including soft drinks, 7pm-11.30pm. Second day of Eid, Dhs235 per person, including soft drinks, 12.30pm-4pm. Dhs275 per person per person including soft drinks, 7pm-11.30pm. InterContinental Dubai Festival City (04 701 1127).

Pamper yourself with a staycation at the Talise Spa in Madinat Jumeirah where you can book yourself a package that includes a wellness scan, a 90 minute jet massage, a 90 minutes body treatment, a 60 minute facial, a 90 minute full-body massage and a 60 minute yoga class, along with full use of the spa facilities and complimentary access to the 2km private beach.
Dhs3,650. Until December 31. Open daily 10am-10pm, Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah (04 366 6818).

As part of the White Room’s Eid festivities it will be kickstarting the party weekend with YOLO – the legendary R&B night from sister venue White Beirut. The resident DJs will be cranking up the hip-hop and R&B as the Grand Yasat Ballroom is transformed for Eid.
Free (reservations required). October 16-18. The White Room, Al Murooj Rotana (050 443 0933).

As part of the recently opened venue’s Eid promotion, Donatello is offering a generous 30 percent discount off your total bill.
From October 14-16. Donatello Italian Restaurant and Lounge, Dubai World Trade Centre, www.donatello-group.com (04 438 63577).

Throughout October, Persian restaurant Shabestan is offering a special Taste of Persia menu where you’ll get the opportunity to sample five different dishes from five different regions including include Tabriz, Mashhad, Esfaha, Tehran and Boshehr.
Dhs149 per person. Until October 31. Open daily 12.30pm-3.15pm, 7.30pm-11.15pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek (04 205 7333).